“So, what do you want to be when you grow up?” Every child is asked that question at least 7,000 times in their lives. (Well, maybe not that many.) Young man, what do YOU want to be? You may be thinking about being an astronaut, but I have something for you that is truly out of this world. I want you to become a preacher.
“Mr. David, why should I want to be a preacher?” Here’s one answer: You get to study the Bible deeply every day as part of your job!
I remember being 17 years old and on my way to Freed-Hardeman University for my first year as a Bible Major. Someone asked me, “Why do you want to be a preacher?” I wasn’t sure how to answer. I remember saying, “Because I want to get paid to study the Bible.” That’s probably not the best answer to give, but it is truly one of the greatest joys of a preacher!
Preachers get to spend every day in the wealth of Scripture. Sometimes kids (and their parents) are only interested in future jobs that will make a lot of money. There’s more to life than a big paycheck. Have you seen that picture or cartoon where Ebenezer Scrooge is sitting at his desk with stacks of gold coins all around him on his desk? He had lots of money, but he was miserable. A wealthy king named David said that the Bible is “More to be desired…than gold, Yea, than much fine gold” (Psa. 19:10). Picture yourself sitting at your desk with stacks of Bibles and books all around you as you study God’s Word. There’s great wealth!
Preachers get to spend every day in the treasure of Scripture. Did you have a treasure box in school and you couldn’t wait for your turn to go and dig in the treasure box to see what you could find? That’s what preachers get to do every day with the Bible! That same king David thought about the Bible and said, “I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure” (Psa. 119:162). Picture yourself digging through the Bible like a big treasure box. There’s nothing better!
Preachers get to spend every day in the feast of Scripture. What is your favorite thing to eat? What if you could have donuts and candy and cookies every day (and as much as you want)? Preachers have that every day. Listen to King David one more time, “How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psa. 119:103). Picture yourself enjoying a great feast of sweets as the Scriptures stick to your fingers.
Young man, you should be a preacher because you get to study the Bible deeply every day! That’s truly out of this world! (Parents and grandparents, please share this with the young men in your family. They won’t find it on their own.)